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Many think that having a brick house or a chimney is a sure way to avoid exterior house maintenance. After all, brick lasts for decades, right? Well, while brick can last for years, it’s not entirely maintenance-free, and brick doesn’t mean you’ll never have to call in a repair person. The exteriors and chimneys of brick houses require basic maintenance; otherwise, you will have to do masonry repairs.
Cracking – Because your brick home is exposed to the same elements as a non-brick home, you still need to do a few basic things. For example, from time to time, walk around your house and check for signs of cracks or hairline fractures in the foundation. Cracks are usually due to masonry expanding and then contracting due to heat, cold, or moisture. However, it can also be due to things like settling of your home or corrosion of any embedded metal. Common places to find cracks are the corners of the structure, especially near the foundation.
Caulking or sealants: This can be due to a number of things, the most common being the age of the house. Other causes are loss of bond due to the use of too much sealant or because there is not enough surface for the masonry to adhere to.
Improper Flashing – If your roof flashing was not installed correctly or has become loose, water can seep in and cause problems in your brick home. To prevent this from happening, make sure the outside edge of the flashing extends to or even beyond the outside face of the masonry, and that gaps are sealed to prevent water from passing between layers.
Fortunately, there are some proactive steps you can take to prevent masonry work from being necessary. Here are some steps to put on your home maintenance schedule.
Check for signs of water leaks or mold growth 2 times a year. If you see this, fix it ASAP.
· If your home has a sump pump, make sure it is draining properly. This must be reviewed once a year.
· Have your chimney inspected at least once a year and cleaned as needed.
· Take the time at least twice a year to walk the perimeter of your home and look for problems such as leaks, cracks, chips, stains, shifting bricks, or crushed bricks. If you see any of these happening, call a masonry repairman.
Masonry repairs are not as common as non-brick siding repairs, but they should not be ignored. If you see any signs that your home’s masonry needs repair, talk to a professional about what needs to be done. Passaic County masonry professionals, Guardian Chimney, can help.